Ratoath Civic Centre development allocated €7.5m in funding

The allocation of €7.5million for the development of the Ratoath Civic Centre in the heart of Ratoath has been warmly welcomed.

Deputy Gillian Toole described the funding announced on Monday as “great news”.

“It is a significant amount of funding for a town that developed rapidly 30 years ago, with facilities provided in the main, by community and voluntary group fundraising projects, supplemented by smaller council/ government grants.

“The civic centre site has planning approval for a community building, to include library, meeting rooms, Garda accommodation, Age Friendly housing and much needed parking spaces. The details including tender, contracts and commencement dates are yet to be worked out. Laytown- Bettystown communities will also see the realisation of more community facilities too. I express my gratitude to Minister James Browne and Department officials, Meath County Council Regeneration team members and especially the Ratoath, Laytown- Bettystown residents who made meaningful contributions to the public consultation process and whose taxes and commercial rates ultimately fund these projects.

“Matching funding by Meath County Council will be required but development levies over 30 years should be available to cover the investment in the Ratoath, Laytown-Bettystown and hinterlands communities,” said Deputy Toole.

Cllr Nick Killian said he was delighted with the news. “This is a good news day for Ratoath. I am really pleased. This will bring the construction of a new library, small park and car parking facilities closer to reality, It will provide much needed facilities for the town. Funding has also been approved for 14 age friendly homes at the site,” he said.

Meanwhile, funding of €150,000 has been allocated for the proposed Trim Water Activity and Castle Connects project to bring it through the planning stage. The project aims to develop a water sports facility, trailhead and hub on the river, supporting water based tourism growth, while connecting along the river into the town centre. The proposal for a brownfield site across from the playground would include a water sports facility with kayak, cycling and a cafe.

The plan for the area also includes angling areas to fish along the river bank; a landscaped river park with paths along the river bank, campervan facilities and connections along the river to the town centre.